Orphaned or Injured Wildlife
Signs a baby animal may be orphaned and need help:
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Dead mom nearby
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Follows you, trying to climb your leg
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Alone and crying, lying on it’s side
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Visible wounds, diarrhea, feces on it
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Ants, fleas or flies on it
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Fly strike or maggots on the animal
How to help:
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Use gloves or a towel to transfer to a box or container, with some non-threaded fabric (fleece, t-shirt, sweatshirt) for it to hide in and rest.
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Keep it in a quiet, warm space free of people and/or domestic animals.
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DO NOT OFFER FOOD AND WATER WITHOUT SPEAKING WITH A REHABBER FIRST. You could do more harm than good.
To find a rehabber:
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If in Washtenaw County, call one of the Friends of Wildlife help lines.
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Check the DNR’s list of Wildlife Rehabilitators
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Search for Michigan Wildlife Rehabilitators on Facebook. There are many who choose not to be on the DNR list, but have very good Facebook pages with contact information for help.
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Please do not email Friends of Wildlife if you have an animal in need of urgent care. It is not checked daily.